Carson schools foundation starts fundraising campaign

The Carson City Schools Foundation is launching its annual giving campaign, “Funding Future Dreams.”

Through June 30, the foundation seeks community contributions to support three programs: the teacher classroom mini-grant and department/school-site grants that help purchase special project materials; student book and material fees for students qualifying for the JumpStart College program; and exam fees for Advanced Placement students in need.

“We had a huge outpouring of support with our fundraising efforts last year for teacher mini-grants and the JumpStart program. This year we are expanding our annual giving campaign to include AP students whose families can’t afford the test fees,” said Steven Reynolds, chairperson of the CCSF Board. “There is no doubt this year’s ‘Funding Future Dreams’ campaign will again offer tremendous value to our students, their families and our local workforce.”

Last year, the fundraising campaign for JumpStart raised nearly $34,000. The foundation’s goal this year is to raise a total of $60,000: $20,000 for teacher/department/school grants, $20,000 for books and materials for JumpStart students and $20,000 for exam fees for AP students.

JumpStart is a dual-enrollment opportunity for high school students to experience college courses through WNC while simultaneously earning high school credits. JumpStart College participants are able to complete up to 60 college credits through WNC, often earning them an associate’s degree around the same time they earn their high school diploma. Earning an associate’s degree while simultaneously graduating from high school helps participants save about two years’ worth of money in college tuition.

Taking AP courses and exams in high school help students pass off college-level curricula and earn college credits that save time and money on tuition. These classes are designed to stretch minds and grow connections to better prepare students for a rigorous college course-load. In some cases, students can even skip certain introductory college courses if they score well enough on their AP exams.

AP exams cost as much as $95 per test, and the approximate cost for materials for JumpStart hovers at about $160 per student. Contributing to the foundation will help offset these costs in the school district’s general fund and alleviate costs to students and parents.

For information and to donate, visit ccschoolsfoundation.org. Checks can be sent to the Carson City Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 92, Carson City, NV, 89702.